Growing Summer Squash?
Question:My summer squash are getting about 4 inches long, then they begin to rot from the bloom-end. What causes this, and how do I stop it?
Answers:
This problem is called (appropriately) "blossom-end rot." It is caused by a lack of calcium in the soil, and afflicts things like tomatoes, melons, and squash. To prevent the problem, add lime to the soil several months "pre-planting." You can try foliar feeding of calcium; it won't help the ones that are already developing, but it may help the subsequent squashes. Reducing nitrogen also slows the foliage growth, which may allow more calcium to make it all the way to the fruit (rather than ending up in the foliage). If your plants dry out quickly, try mulching around them so that they don't have to be watered as often; a high level of water uptake likewise causes the calcium to be deposited in the leaves rather than making it to the fruit.
It because they're sitting on moist ground. Get them up off the ground. Put some straw down and rest them on it. It happens to my cucumbers.
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